Crabcakes vs. BBQ Ribs

This Saturday as the Ravens face the Titans, a challenge is also on between the National Aquarium (located in Baltimore) and the Tennessee Aquarium. Charles Myers, the National Aquarium’s director of visitor services and Gene Dwyer, the Tennessee Aquarium’s visitor services manager have made a friendly bet.

If the Ravens win, Charles and the National Aquarium staff will get to chow down on some famous Tennessee BBQ ribs, courtesy of the Tennessee Aquarium. And if the Titans win, Charles will deliver delicious Maryland crab cakes down south for Gene and his staff to enjoy.

This very same bet was made a few years ago and the game went to the Titans, leaving the Baltimore staff with empty stomachs. Charles and the National Aquarium are looking to equal playing field with this year’s bet. Game on!

Thank you for your comment regarding blue crabs. We chose crabcakes because they are very symbolic to Maryland. However, the National Aquarium realizes the importance of this issue.

When is comes to the overall fishing and consumption of seafood, the Aquarium supports choosing seafood that is sustainable. According the Seafood Watch Guide, the blue crab is currently listed as a good alternative. We encourage people to take that into consideration and eat in moderation.

Many blue crab populations have declined due to habitat loss caused by pollution and coastal development. The National Aquarium is leading many programs that rebuild coastal habitats in the watershed. There are also many collaborative efforts underway between fisherman, scientists, and politicians to improve the sustainability of blue crabs. Just like others, we want to protect this iconic crustacean so we can continue to enjoy them!